First the good news: our efforts at generating interest in Star Conquest have resulted in the creation of over 70 new characters since the month began, and a return of peak numbers to 20-25 active (not idling) players! That’s a pretty good start, but we’re hoping, of course, to keep up the momentum and keep those numbers growing.

Now the bad news! Long hours at my real job have prevented me from making a great deal of progress on that secret fifth category of points, which I may as well name now: command points. There is to be an aspect of both space combat and ground combat, and I’ve made some progress on the ground combat front, particularly in adding a redesigned form of vehicles. But the command point activity can take place in a number of settings, and I think to get the system out sooner, I’ll set aside the ground combat for now and concentrate on getting the space combat portion working (as those fundamentals already exist), along with the basic functionality of the whole thing. Ground combat missions can then be added in later in a new setting, which will be more plot-appropriate anyway.

But before that, the results of the survey we did this month have convinced me that I should shift my focus a bit. It’s evident that very, very many of you guys want more variety in terms of industrial activity. Upon reflection, using salvaging (SC’s oldest and crappiest point-generating activity) as the top method of gaining industry points really isn’t acceptable. What we should have is, ideally, an industry activity at the top level which is as engaging as some of the combat activities are, and not so mindlessly repetitive as salvaging. My goal is to get that system designed and at least partially coded this weekend. I cannot tell you in detail what form it will take, because at the moment I really have no idea!

So that’s where we stand at the moment. As always, we’re looking for your input into the best ways to gain and retain new players, as higher peak numbers open up many possibilities!

First of all, we’re spending the first week or two relaunching our storyline and trying to fill the game with new players! We hope to get new and old players alike active and involved in the game!

As for other plans, one thing it’s become clear that players miss is the organization system. An organization in classic Star Conquest was something like a guild that allowed players to share funds and starships. Unfortunately, it had some balance issues that were never properly addressed. This month, probably quite soon, we plan to build a new organization system from scratch that’ll have built-in balancing mechanics from the start. Our organization system will allow for group-funded and group-insured ships, which has often been requested by players.

This organization system will, in turn, lead directly into an entirely new game mechanic with a new points category. Experienced civilian pilots will soon have the opportunity to stake out areas of space and lead the defense there, delegating space and ground missions to their fellow pilots. This will involve all new challenges for pilots at every level.

Continuing along the chain, the system above should help us nail down some mechanics for low-security space and the control thereof, though that won’t necessarily happen this month.

Mutuality space should get some attention this month, with a rebuilding and reopening of the Ring region and the release of some all-new space stations! This isn’t only for Mutuality players, but will likely serve as the first showcase for low-security space, factions, and capture mechanics in the coming weeks.

Now that we’ve expanded space, we hope to make it feel alive, with both enemies and friends constantly on the move around you. Pilots will have to step up their defense, but they’ll also be able to take on more responsibilities, and win real victories for their alliance or their chosen faction.